To Do ‘In Remembrance’

By Doug Redford 

Have you ever noticed older children who now care for their parents often do things their parents once did for them? They frequently help with actions the parents can no longer do—actions the parents once did for the children when the children were too young to do them. Such actions may include cutting up a piece of meat, buttering a slice of toast, feeding them a meal, holding on to them while they take a walk, or tucking them into bed at night. Some refer to such role changes as part of the “circle of life.” 

In some cases, adult children engage in practices or routines that reflect the influence of a parent. A child may fix a certain food the way a parent did or use the tools a parent once used to fix a car or repair something around the house. Those are ways we honor the memories of special people whom the Lord graciously brought into our lives. 

When Jesus established Communion, he told his disciples, then and now, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). We do certain actions, such as the ones described above, “in remembrance” of loved ones, but those are actions we try to duplicate. Our remembrance of Jesus at Communion is very different. That remembrance is done, not because we can ever repeat or duplicate what Jesus did, but out of gratitude that he did for us what no one else could ever do. Only Jesus as the sinless Son of God could offer the perfect sacrifice that was required to pay “the wages of sin,” which is death (Romans 6:23). The elements of Communion, the bread and the juice, are symbols that remind us of a price that only he could pay. 

Our remembrance of Jesus, however, does not end with Communion. Our actions throughout the week—even actions as commonplace as fixing our meals or using our tools, must be done to honor Jesus. As Paul told the Corinthians, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

The words, “Do this in remembrance of me” are etched on the front of many Communion tables. May they be etched on our daily lives as well. 

Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities come. 

Author: Doug Redford

Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities arise.